In a delightful translation from small screen to stage, the Royal Manor Theatre brings the beloved BBC sitcom 'Allo 'Allo to life with a production that is as charmingly chaotic as it is nostalgic. This theatrical adaptation, running from September 30th to October 5th, proves that the misadventures of René Artois and his motley crew of resistance fighters, Nazi officers, and British airmen have lost none of their farcical appeal in the journey from television to live performance.
Set in the occupied French town of Nouvion during World War II, 'Allo 'Allo follows the tribulations of café owner René (played with bumbling brilliance by local teacher, Chris Wadley), as he navigates a precarious existence between collaborating with the Germans and aiding the resistance. The Royal Manor Theatre's production faithfully recreates the sitcom's beloved characters, from René's tone-deaf wife Edith to the imposing Major-General von Klinkerhoffen and the leather-coated Gestapo officer Herr Flick.
The play's plot, a madcap tangle of stolen paintings, hidden British airmen, and multiple Hitler impersonators, unfolds with the same rapid-fire wit that made the television series a hit. The cast delivers the show's trademark innuendo-laden dialogue and running gags with impeccable timing, eliciting roars of laughter from an audience clearly familiar with the source material.
Particularly impressive is the production's ability to translate the series' visual gags to the stage. The wireless disguised as a cockatoo, the priceless portrait hidden in a knackwurst, and the various disguises donned by the characters are all realised with inventive stagecraft that pays homage to the original while adding a fresh theatrical flair.
The production wisely leans into the nostalgia factor, presenting the material with a wink and a nod that acknowledges its place in British comedy history. The result is a show that feels both comfortingly familiar and surprisingly fresh.
The set design, a faithful recreation of Café René, serves as an effective backdrop for the farcical proceedings, with hidden compartments and secret passages facilitating the constant comings and goings of characters in hiding.
The energy of the ensemble cast, particularly in the larger group scenes, keeps the momentum rolling even when the plot threatens to become overwrought.
For fans of the original series, this production of 'Allo 'Allo is a must-see, offering a chance to revisit beloved characters and catchphrases in a new medium. For those unfamiliar with the show, it serves as a riotous introduction to one of British television's most enduring comedies.
As René might say, with a conspiratorial glance to the audience, "You may find this hard to believe, but..." the Royal Manor Theatre has pulled off a theatrical coup with this production. It's a farce of the highest order, delivered with affection and skill. Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once: don't miss it.
'Allo 'Allo runs at the Royal Manor Theatre, Portland, from September 30th to October 5th. For tickets and information, visit https://www.royalmanortheatre.co.uk/2024-allo-allo.
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